Thousands of Sikhs celebrated Guru Nanak's birthday, as they marched their way through the city streets of Leicester on Saturday.
The annual Nagar Kirtan religious procession set off from the Guru Tegh Bahadur Gurdwara, in East Park Road and followed a route through the city to the Guru Nanak Gurdwara, in Holy Bones, near St Nicholas Circle.
The procession, which has been held in the city every year since 1992, began with traditional prayers outside the gurdwara in East Park Road.
The Leicester Mercury reported, leading the thousands in the procession was a huge drum being rhythmically beaten by a young Sikh boy, followed closely by the Panj Piare (five beloved of the Guru) who carried swords and banners and chanted loudly.
Behind them were about 30 men, women and children with brooms who swept the road clean and scattered flower petals before the ornate float carrying the Guru Granth Sahib – the holy Sikh scripture – passed by.
Public gathered around to watch and take photos.Along the way free food and drinks, in the Sikh tradition of Langar, were handed out to those in the procession and anyone else who wanted them.
M S Sangha, secretary of the Guru Tegh Bahadur Gurdwara, reportedly said: "The procession has been taking place in the city every year since 1992.
"It's an event whole families and people of all ages take part in and there is free food and drink at about seven or eight stalls along the route for anyone who wants it."
Leicester-based Kartar Singh of the Sikh Council UK, reportedly said: "There is always a very positive atmosphere as the procession makes its way through the city, celebrating diversity, which Leicester does very well."
Balbir Kaur, 48, of Leicester Forest East, said: "It's part of us celebrating our religion, it's brilliant and I feel very proud and privileged."
